Week 4: Rhythm

Quite simply

Increasing the rhythm of your home life is one of the most powerful ways of simplifying your children’s lives.

With predictability a child can relax, knowing what to expect.

Rhythms establish a foundation for cooperation and connection.

Any repeated note or activity in the day can be made more rhythmic.

Rhythm builds islands of consistency and security throughout the day.

Relationship is often built in the intervals, when nothing much is going on.

Committing to rhythm builds trust and relational credits.

The magic of rhythms is in the process, not the particulars.

Food is meant to nourish, not to entertain or excite.

As parents simplify, children’s food issues will diminish or resolve.

Two or three “pressure release valves” built into the day will help a child fall asleep at night.

the power of story

Most children love stories told by a parent. Stories can confirm a truth of who we are as people and provide affirmation. We connect through story.

Things to keep in mind when making up or selecting a story:

A main character, who may have a special quality or difficulty.

Some kind of movement: a journey, a change

A challenge, an encounter, a helper

An overcoming

An ending: happy, comic, a resolution

our family rhythms

Write down a timeline of the current rhythms already established in your family's daily life. Mealtimes, morning and bedtime rituals. How is it different during holidays, summertime, vacation, weekends?

Write down your weekly rhythms. Monday to Sunday. How is it different during holidays, summertime, vacation, weekends? Add some ideas for new rituals or rhythmic activities that will introduce moments for calm and connection.

Introducing more rhythm may take parental resolve and persistence...and will be rewarded by more confidence, calm and connection.

change process

IDENTIFY dissatisfaction

IMAGINE things better

DESIGN a small doable chnage

CELEBRATE all plans, agreements and change however small

Building Rhythm and ritual

Did you have rituals as a child? What effect did that have on you? What do you do now as a family?